45 Facts About Mortal Kombat 2

Mortal Kombat 2: A Game-Changer in the Fighting Genre

Mortal Kombat 2, released in 1993, took the gaming world by storm. It built on the success of the original Mortal Kombat, introducing new characters, moves, and fatalities. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic game.

1. Mortal Kombat 2 was developed by Midway Games and released in arcades in 1993.
2. The game was later ported to various home consoles, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis.
3. Mortal Kombat 2 introduced eight new playable characters, expanding the roster to 12 fighters.
4. The game featured improved graphics and smoother animations compared to its predecessor.
5. Mortal Kombat 2 was one of the first games to include multiple fatalities for each character.
6. The game introduced the concept of "Friendship" moves, where characters could perform non-lethal, humorous actions instead of fatalities.
7. Mortal Kombat 2 also introduced "Babalities," where characters could turn their opponents into babies.
8. The game's storyline continued the saga of the Mortal Kombat tournament, with the evil sorcerer Shang Tsung seeking revenge.
9. Mortal Kombat 2 was known for its high level of violence and gore, which sparked controversy and led to the creation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
10. The game's iconic "Finish Him!" phrase became a cultural phenomenon and is still widely recognized today.

Iconic Characters and Their Unique Abilities

Mortal Kombat 2 introduced several new characters, each with their own unique abilities and backstories. Let's take a closer look at some of these iconic fighters.

11. Liu Kang, the game's protagonist, is a martial artist with the ability to shoot fireballs and perform a flying kick.
12. Sub-Zero, a fan-favorite character, can freeze his opponents and perform a spine-ripping fatality.
13. Scorpion, another popular character, has the ability to teleport and shoot a spear to pull his opponents closer.
14. Kitana, a new character in Mortal Kombat 2, is a skilled assassin who wields deadly fans.
15. Mileena, Kitana's evil twin, uses a pair of sai and has a gruesome fatality where she devours her opponent.
16. Jax, a Special Forces operative, has superhuman strength and can perform a powerful ground pound move.
17. Baraka, a Tarkatan warrior, has retractable blades in his arms and can perform a deadly chop-chop move.
18. Raiden, the thunder god, can shoot lightning bolts and teleport across the screen.
19. Shang Tsung, the game's main antagonist, can morph into other characters and use their abilities.
20. Reptile, a hidden character in the first game, became a playable character in Mortal Kombat 2 with acid-spitting abilities.

Hidden Secrets and Easter Eggs

Mortal Kombat 2 is filled with hidden secrets and Easter eggs that kept players coming back for more. Here are some of the most intriguing ones.

21. The game features several hidden characters, including Smoke, Jade, and Noob Saibot.
22. To fight Smoke, players must press down and start on both controllers when Dan Forden's "Toasty!" appears on the screen.
23. To fight Jade, players must win a match using only low kicks.
24. To fight Noob Saibot, players must win 50 matches in a row.
25. The game's developers included a hidden message that reads "Ermacs do not exist," referencing a rumored character from the first game.
26. The "Toasty!" soundbite is a reference to Dan Forden, the game's sound designer, who would say it during development.
27. The game's backgrounds are filled with hidden details, such as the Living Forest stage, where players can see faces in the trees.
28. The Dead Pool stage features a hidden fatality where players can uppercut their opponents into a pool of acid.
29. The game's attract mode features a hidden message that reads "You will never win," taunting players.
30. Mortal Kombat 2 includes several humorous Easter eggs, such as the "Fergality" move, which turns opponents into a character named Fergus McGovern.

Impact on Pop Culture and Legacy

Mortal Kombat 2 left a lasting impact on pop culture and the gaming industry. Its influence can still be seen today in various forms of media.

31. The game's success led to the creation of a Mortal Kombat comic book series.
32. Mortal Kombat 2 was featured in several episodes of the animated series "Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm."
33. The game's characters have appeared in numerous other video games, including the "Injustice" series.
34. Mortal Kombat 2's fatalities have been referenced in movies, TV shows, and even music videos.
35. The game's iconic "Finish Him!" phrase has been parodied in various forms of media.
36. Mortal Kombat 2's success helped pave the way for future fighting games, such as "Street Fighter II" and "Tekken."
37. The game's controversy over its violence and gore led to increased scrutiny of video game content and the creation of the ESRB.
38. Mortal Kombat 2's characters have become pop culture icons, with many fans dressing up as their favorite fighters for conventions and Halloween.
39. The game's music, composed by Dan Forden, is still celebrated by fans and has been remixed and covered by various artists.
40. Mortal Kombat 2's legacy continues with new installments in the series, including "Mortal Kombat 11," which features several characters and stages from the classic game.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some additional fun facts and trivia about Mortal Kombat 2 that you might not know.

41. Mortal Kombat 2 was one of the first games to use digitized actors for its characters, giving it a unique and realistic look.
42. The game's development team included only four people: Ed Boon, John Tobias, Dan Forden, and John Vogel.
43. Mortal Kombat 2's arcade cabinets were known for their distinctive red and black design.
44. The game's success led to the creation of several spin-off games, including "Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero" and "Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks."
45. Mortal Kombat 2's popularity helped establish the franchise as one of the most successful and enduring in video game history.

Mortal Kombat 2: A Legacy of Brutality

Mortal Kombat 2 isn't just a game; it's a cultural phenomenon. Its impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, from introducing iconic characters like Kitana and Baraka to refining the fighting mechanics that fans love. The game's success paved the way for countless sequels, movies, and even a dedicated fanbase that thrives to this day.

The introduction of Fatalities and improved graphics set new standards for arcade games in the '90s. Its controversial content even led to the creation of the ESRB rating system, changing how games are regulated.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Mortal Kombat 2 offers a rich history and exciting gameplay that continues to captivate players. Its legacy is a testament to its enduring appeal and influence on pop culture.